Group B Streptococcus a common bacterial colonizer of the maternal genital tract.
Group B infection the leading cause of early onset sepsis, meningitis and pneumonia among neonates.
Group B infection until recently this disease occurred in 1.7 per 1000 births.
Group B streptococci infection a devastating disease for the newborn with a 20% mortality rate and a 30% risk of long-term neurologic sequelae for survivors.
Group B streptococci infection is usually ascending in nature and occurs commonly after membrane rupture.
Group B streptococci infection typically manifested as a disease of the neonate.
Group B streptococci infection can cross intact membranes and can infect amniotic fluid before the onset of labor.
Group B colonization at delivery associated with preterm delivery.
Pregnant women are screened between 35 and 37 weeks gestation.
Maternal carriers are treated with either penicillin or and alternative antimicrobial agent in patients with penicillin hypersensitivity.
Universal screening of pregnant women for rectovaginal group B streptococcal colonization at 35-37 weeks gestation and administration of intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis to carriers.
Women with group B streptococci bactiuria during pregnancy should receive intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis, and screening of the rectum and vagina are therefore not necessary as infection has been documented.
Incidence of disease in infants aged 0-6 days in 2004 has decreased by 31% from 2000-2001 the period before universal screening was implemented.
Incidence in infants aged 7-89 days remain unchanged from 1996-2004.